Name: Doxepin Hydrochloride

Pregnancy Category C

Drug classes

TCA (tertiary amine)

Antianxiety drug

Mechanism of actions

Mechanism of action unknown; TCAs inhibit the reuptake of the
neurotransmitters norepinephrine and serotonin, leading to an increase
in
their effects; anticholinergic at CNS and peripheral receptors;
sedative.

Indications

Relief of symptoms of depression (endogenous depression most
responsive);
sedative effects of tertiary amine TCAs may be helpful in patients
whose
depression is associated with anxiety and sleep disturbance

Treatment of depression in patients with manic-depressive illness

Antianxiety agent

Contraindications/cautions

Contraindicated in the presence of hypersensitivity to any tricyclic
drug; concomitant therapy with an MAO inhibitor; recent MI;
myelography
within previous 24 h or scheduled within 48 h; lactation.